Marie Skłodowska-Curie

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Construct department is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in the development of advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology, as part of the EU Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie RESTORATIVE project. This research aims to accelerate the green transition by advancing grid-scale energy storage solutions. The project focuses on dynamic modeling, design, optimization, and techno-economic analysis of site-insensitive CAES systems, targeting efficient multi-generation, sector coupling, and high round-trip efficiency without the need for underground caverns.

RESTORATIVE is a collaborative doctoral network comprising 17 PhD students across 7 universities and 4 companies, with 16 partners from 10 European countries. The network investigates grid-scale energy storage from multiple perspectives, including technological development, reliability, integration, environmental assessment, and policy. As a PhD student, you will join the Smart Thermal Energy Systems team at DTU Construct, benefiting from synergies with ongoing projects and departmental expertise in thermal and thermo-mechanical energy systems.

The position includes two secondments: a 6-month academic stay at Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and a 3-month industrial placement at COWI AS (Denmark). You will also participate in network-wide training events, including summer/winter schools and online workshops, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development.

Supervision will be provided by Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar and Associate Professor Janne Dragsted. The research will involve developing models and approaches (using Matlab, Dymola, and EES) for CAES design, optimization under uncertainty, dynamic system modeling, and benchmarking against competing technologies. Key tasks include specifying technical details, operational setpoints, and conducting multiobjective optimization for optimal sizing and system interactions.

Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent. Compliance with Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules is required: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. Application materials should include a motivation letter, CV with residence history, grade transcripts, and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) with grading scale. Academic approval and enrolment in DTU's PhD programme are necessary.

DTU offers a competitive salary (minimum DKK 29,691.75 plus DKK 1,551 position allowance, pre-tax), full tuition, and a stimulating international research environment. The employment period is 3 years, starting 1 September 2026. The university is committed to diversity and inclusion, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Security and export control background checks may be conducted.

For further information, contact Professor Ahmad Arabkoohsar ([email protected]) or visit the DTU Construct website. Applications must be submitted online by 13 May 2026. Prepare a single PDF file with all required documents and follow the application instructions on the portal. Late applications will not be considered.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in sustainable energy systems, advanced modeling, and interdisciplinary research within a leading European technical university.